Why Is My New Golf Grip Loose or Twisting?

A properly installed golf grip should stay firmly in place once it has fully dried.

If a new grip still twists or moves, do not immediately assume it needs to be reinstalled. First, make sure it has had enough time to dry.

1. Make Sure the Grip Has Fully Dried

With the traditional double-sided grip tape and solvent method, the solvent needs time to evaporate after installation.

If the club is used too soon, the grip may still move or twist.

Follow the drying time recommended for the solvent or installation system you are using. Temperature and ventilation can also affect how quickly the solvent evaporates.

2. If It Still Twists After Drying, Check the Installation

If the recommended drying time has passed and the grip still moves, simply waiting longer may not solve the problem.

Check whether:

  • The correct grip tape and solvent were used
  • The shaft surface was clean and free of old adhesive, oil or other residue
  • The tape was applied properly and remained clean
  • The grip was pushed fully into position
  • The tape moved, folded or became damaged during installation

Any of these problems can affect how securely the grip stays in place.

3. Do Not Assume Too Much Solvent Is the Problem

Enough solvent is needed to allow the grip to slide smoothly over the tape during installation.

A grip that moves shortly after installation does not necessarily mean too much solvent was used.

The more important question is whether the solvent has had enough time to evaporate.

If the grip remains loose after the normal drying period, inspect the tape, shaft surface and installation rather than simply waiting longer.

4. Reinstall a Grip That Remains Loose

If the grip has fully dried but still twists or moves noticeably, the most reliable solution is usually to reinstall it.

After removing the grip:

  1. Remove the old tape and adhesive residue.
  2. Clean and dry the shaft surface.
  3. Apply suitable new grip tape.
  4. Use an appropriate grip solvent.
  5. Install the grip fully into position.
  6. Allow it to dry completely before using the club.

Do not continue playing with a grip that can noticeably rotate on the shaft.

Bottom Line

If a newly installed golf grip is loose or twisting, use this simple sequence:

Allow it to dry fully → if it still moves, check the tape, shaft surface and installation → reinstall the grip if necessary.

Movement shortly after installation does not always mean the installation has failed.

But if the grip still twists after it has fully dried, inspect and correct the installation rather than expecting it to tighten on its own.

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